Iron deficiency

somanyrhoades

Ok, so I am having serious trouble getting enough iron. Not a huge meat eater, so I'm looking for non meat suggestions. I eat almonds and a spinach salad almost every day, but I'm at a loss. Pretty sure I'm anemic as I have all the classic signs of anemia. I know I can take a supplement if it comes down to it, but I would prefer to get my nutrients through food if possible. I've googled iron rich foods, just wondering if there's something I'm missing that would be easy to encorporate into my meals. Thanks!

run4thewin

I had the same problem, quasi-vegetarian and blood work showed low iron. I replaced my sugar addiction with daily raisins and watermelon, and add spinach and frozen peas to virtually every kind of salad. I also stopped taking a daily multi-vitamin when I discovered iron and calcium compete and virtually cancel each other out. Now I take my iron separately spaced throughout the day, and my anemia symptoms (bruising, aches, fatigue, etc.) cleared right up.

somanyrhoades

I had the same problem, quasi-vegetarian and blood work showed low iron. I replaced my sugar addiction with daily raisins and watermelon, and add spinach and frozen peas to virtually every kind of salad. I also stopped taking a daily multi-vitamin when I discovered iron and calcium compete and virtually cancel each other out. Now I take my iron separately spaced throughout the day, and my anemia symptoms (bruising, aches, fatigue, etc.) cleared right up.

Thanks! I am a nurse so I already knew about the calcium and have been trying to eat vitamin c rich foods as well to better absorb the non heme iron. I usually put chick peas on my spinach salads but will add peas too! And raisins! Thanks!

smirf1972

Hi
I've also suffered this problem and found seeds to be a great source of iron, cut down on any tea and coffee you drink around the time you take in iron as it affects the absorbtion rate, broccolli is alao a great source of iron.

http://www.veetea.com/site/articles/Tea-and-Iron

charlenequinn94

Ok, so I am having serious trouble getting enough iron. Not a huge meat eater, so I'm looking for non meat suggestions. I eat almonds and a spinach salad almost every day, but I'm at a loss. Pretty sure I'm anemic as I have all the classic signs of anemia. I know I can take a supplement if it comes down to it, but I would prefer to get my nutrients through food if possible. I've googled iron rich foods, just wondering if there's something I'm missing that would be easy to encorporate into my meals. Thanks!

Cook a tomato sauce or two in a castiron skillet or pan. The unenamled ones. I have a tendency to be iron poor. It does not take care of the problem, but it is one solution.

JDBLY11

Raw pumpkin seeds have 30% daily value for iron. A half cup of beans has 10%. Soy beans and other soy products are good. Blackstrap molasses, potatoes, fortified grains, some vegetables and eggs have a lot too.

somanyrhoades

Raw pumpkin seeds have 30% daily value for iron. A half cup of beans has 10%. Soy beans and other soy products are good. Blackstrap molasses, potatoes, fortified grains, some vegetables and eggs have a lot too.

I bought pumpkin seeds the other day but the nutrition info said one serving only had 8% iron. They were roasted, do I need to eat them straight from the pumpkin, uncooked?

JessiBelleW

Hope you get your levels tested! When mine was discovered my iron was so low the Dr said I was a month away from a blood transfusion ....... Its much easier to maintain levels than it is to replace them with out a supplement.

Some cereals are iron fortified and I think some milks are too - could be worth checking out to add to your intake

Princess4Run

Get tested, at least CBC with ferritin. At least you'll know what you are dealing with and how aggressive you have to be with supplements. I tried treating my anemia with iron rich foods only, tons of green leafy veggies, nuts/seeds, beans- it wasn't enough. My doctor prescribed iiron supplemenrs twice daily. Also, I check my ferritin regularly to keep an eye on my progess without doctor's orders for $29. It's easier and cheaper than my co-pay.